Britons who are booking last-minute holidays to European destinations after the excitement of the Olympic Games should ensure they take out travel insurance to give them peace of mind during their trip.
Research carried out by the AA revealed 24 per cent of people set off on their getaways without seeking cover and of those, 22 per cent either “forgot” or simply “did not get round to it” – putting them at risk of losing out should an incident occur.
Worryingly, the study also found 11 per cent of people believe a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a substitute for valid travel insurance, despite the fact this will not cover travellers for helicopter rescue or repatriation back to the UK if someone is taken seriously ill.
Commenting on the results, Alan Purvis – director of AA Travel Insurance – said holidaymakers could be landed with some “pretty hefty bills” for treatment if they do not purchase cover.
“While travellers should take out the EHIC card and present it to the treating hospital they are still likely to incur costs, so should take details of their travel insurance too,” he added.